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Alissa Tallman - Gail Slotwinski

I originally began my college career as a cello major. Sixteen years, many bands, and two colleges later, I earned my bachelor's in film at Temple University. While I both acted in and composed music for several student films over the years, I was most passionate about film theory. I adored analyzing films to uncover their hidden psychological layers of meaning and then writing about what I discovered.

When I write about a film, I take a sort of investigative reporter approach, determined to get behind the film's illusory aspects for a more objective look. I am always fascinated by the sociopolitical dimensions of film and how contentious issues such as gender, race, and class are represented, as well as how power imbalances between members of dominant and minority social groups play out.

Being a voracious reader and published nonfiction writer, I also enjoy writing about books. Raw personal stories, either fiction or memoir, are my favorites, especially when they're written with unfettered honesty. I am a huge graphic novel fan, and my interest in young adult fiction has never wavered since I read my first Judy Blume book at age 8; you can find reviews of both genres among my articles too.

Several of my film reviews have appeared in the Philadelphia Weekly, and I am currently editing an academic book series helmed by a Temple film professor. I am also a contributing fashion columnist for Wearables magazine.